8 ‘Must Drive’ and ‘Must Avoid’ UK Road Trips!

Going on a road-trip is one of life’s most enjoyable motoring pleasures. But forget Route 66 as we’ve got eight dazzlers and dampeners from across the UK which offer something for everyone.

So whether it’s spectacular scenery, remote locations, challenging conditions, or simply tackling the UK’s ‘largest car park’, these drives will always live long in the memory but not necessarily for all the right reasons.

England

One of the most challenging drives in Britain, Hardknott is not for the fainthearted.

Hardnott Pass, Cumbria – Beloved by night-time road rallyists, this is one of the steepest roads in England, with a gradient of 1 in 3. It is most definitely not for the fainthearted or those of a weak disposition.

Wales

Sweeping hairpins and fabulous views, the Black Mountain Pass has it all.

Black Mountain Pass, Brecon Beacons – Enjoy the Brecon Beacons while navigating the hairpins, sweeping through valleys, and simply appreciating some of the best views in the UK, which match some of the best that Europe has to offer.

A44 – You won’t have time to enjoy the views if you venture onto one of the UK’s most dangerous roads between LLangurig and Aberystwyth. Over half of the accidents in a two-year period were due to vehicles leaving the road because of swerving or similar factors. You have been warned.

Scotland

Over 500 miles of driving adventure in Scotland.

North Coast 500 route, North Scotland – A 516-mile adventure around the north coast of Scotland and arguably the pick of the bunch. This drive has it all and is packed with fairy-tale castles, stunning beaches and ruins.

M8 – On the other hand this 60-mile motorway from Glasgow to Edinburgh is consistently voted by motorists as one of the worst roads in the UK. Revel in Scotland’s busiest motorway at the Glasgow urban section where too many motorists are forced to share too little space. Better make sure you check your oil and water levels before setting off as you could be stuck on the M8 for a long time!

Northern Ireland

Drive to the Giant’s Causeway via one of the most scenic routes in Europe.

Causeway Coastal Route via Giant’s Causeway – Possibly one of the top scenic routes in Europe, offering a wonderfully varied backdrop from high mountains to sleepy villages and jaw-dropping coastal views. A great adventure offering unbelievable sights.

A27 – There’s few roads in Northern Ireland that get the blood boiling more than this trunk road. One motorist says he has a ‘personal hatred for the A27’ and tries to avoid it all together. Why not get behind the wheel yourself and see what all the fuss is about?

As you can see from our tongue-in-cheek selection, the UK has an amazing diversity of roads.

ClassicLine would love to hear from you to discuss the best insurance for your vehicle before you head off.